Airbnb is better for users looking for unique accommodations and a wider range of stay options, while Kayak is more suitable for users who want to compare prices from various travel providers. Both platforms have their drawbacks, such as booking fees for Airbnb and customer service issues for Kayak.
| Attribute | Airbnb | Kayak |
|---|---|---|
| Price Transparency | Displays total price (excluding taxes) upfront, including all fees (nightly rate, cleaning, service) in search results. | Aims to display total prices and help you find the lowest prices, but it is not always a guarantee. |
| Cancellation Policy Flexibility | Offers a range of cancellation policies, from 'Flexible' to 'Strict,' with varying refund amounts and timing. Hosts can also offer a non-refundable option. | Offers a "Cancel For Any Reason" plan, but cancellation policies are determined by the specific airline, hotel, or travel agency. |
| Accommodation Variety | Offers a wide variety of accommodation types, including entire homes, private rooms, hotel rooms, and shared rooms. Unique stays like treehouses, yurts, and castles are also available. | Searches hundreds of sites to find deals on hotels, vacation rentals, and more. |
| Search Filter Granularity | Provides search filters to help users find specific amenities and locations. | Has a robust filtering system to tailor your search to fit your exact needs and budget. |
| User Review Authenticity | User reviews help foster transparency and accountability. | User feedback on Kayak varies, encompassing both positive and negative experiences. |
| Customer Support Responsiveness | Airbnb fees cover customer support. | Some users express frustration with the quality of Kayak's customer service, citing difficulties with refunds, changes, or cancellations. |
| Booking Fee Structure | Split-fee structure: hosts typically pay around 3% of the booking subtotal, while guests may be charged up to 14.2%. Host-only fee structure: entire fee (typically 14-16%) is deducted from the host's payout. | Not available |
| Geographic Coverage | Listings in over 100,000 cities and more than 220 countries and regions. Europe has the largest number of listings, followed by Asia Pacific and North America. | Searches hundreds of other travel sites so you don't have to. |
| Payment Method Options | Accepts Visa, MasterCard, Amex, JCB, debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal. In some regions, Klarna is available. | Not available |
| Mobile App Usability | Mobile-first travelers can easily pay using PayPal, Apple Pay, or Google Pay on the mobile app. | The app's interface feels intuitive and sleek, offering a seamless experience in searching for flights, hotels and car rentals. |
| Loyalty Program Benefits | Does not currently have a loyalty program. | The Kayak Explorer program was discontinued as confirmed by a notice in 2022. |
| Instant Booking Availability | Some rentals have an 'Instant Book' option. | Not available |